Anantnag, Sept 03: The Department of Wildlife organized a painting competition in Pahalgam on Thursday as part of Wildlife Week, aiming to raise awareness about wildlife protection, preservation, and ways to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
Sohail Ahmad, Wildlife Warden (South), said the event was held at Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary as part of the Wildlife Week celebrations.
He said that a painting competition and cleanliness drive were organized in Overa Aru, Pahalgam, under the directions of Chief Wildlife Warden Sarvesh Rai and Regional Wildlife Warden Tawheed Deva. “The competition aimed to raise awareness about living in harmony with nature.”
Wildlife warden south said that this year’s theme is “Conservation Through Coexistence” and that programmes like the one held in Pahalgam will continue in other places as well.
Bilal Ahmad Bhat, a teacher, said that students were brought to participate in the Wildlife Department’s event.
He said that the painting competition was intended to raise awareness among schoolchildren about wild animals and the preservation of forests, flora, and fauna.
A local also said that a programme like this is a good idea and should involve the local community, as it brings much-needed awareness, which is important in the current circumstances.
“We are grateful to the Wildlife Department for organizing this programme and request the department to involve the local community in such programmes next time as well to spread awareness to a larger audience,” he said.
